This photo from 1959 was given to the author by the small boy third from the right. Steve Gilbert says: 'Whenever I smell lupins I'm reminded of my days at the Otaki Health Camp. It was a good time.' Steve calls it his Sound of Music photo.

SUNDAY 25 MARCH: DI BUCHAN

'I don't think the average New Zealander has any idea what some of the families in this country struggle with and how hard life can be,' writes Fiona Inkpen, CEO of Stand New Zealand. 'And we are all just a shock away from it – like losing your job or your home.'

In June 2015 the manager of Stand Children's Village (Otaki Health Camp) told Otaki Historical Society about her work and the proposal to shift the camp to Paraparaumu. Di Buchan was inspired to interview former staff and residents about their experiences and what the camp had meant to them.
The project grew into Sand, Sea and Sustenance: the story of the Otaki Children's Health Camp. It is full of the memories of children under stress and how the Camp helped them. They speak of toothbrush drill, sunbathing, treks through forest to the beach, marmite on toast, cod liver oil and Lane's emulsion … rich and often entertaining reminiscences from residents and staff.
At 2.30 p.m. on Sunday 25 March in Paraparaumu Library Meeting Room Di Buchan will talk about camp life and its impact on the young residents.

Friends of Kapiti Libraries welcomes all members of the public. Entry is free.

Di Buchan is the author of Sand, Sea and Sustenance: the story of the Otaki Children's Health Camp.

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